BT Forum

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Will I be needing a wetsuit? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2005-08-16 10:59 PM

User image

Pro
4189
20002000100252525
Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
I'm doing a sprint tri (1/4 m open water swim) in Lake Erie on Sept. 10. I'd really not like to buy a wetsuit right now, as the finances are tight with my going abroad...but if I'm going to die without one, I'll rent one. My thoughts were..."it's only 1/4 mile...swim on track and you wont be in long enough to feel it", my other thought was, "but it's september!".


2005-08-16 11:24 PM
in reply to: #226985

User image

Pasadena, CA
Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?

What is the water temp going to be? Air temp on race day (and morning)? How long do you expect to be in the water (including warm up)? Trying new things on race day is not recommended but either is freezing :-)... if the goal of the race is just having fun and you don't mind wearing a wetsuit that you're not used to than I'd ask... Can you borrow one? Pehaps you can demo a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are faster as they correct our body positions enabling better hydrodynamics (remember... water is 300 times more dense than air).

2005-08-17 12:01 AM
in reply to: #226985

User image

Expert
900
500100100100100
Austin, TX
Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
You could always try renting one. I'm from Salt Lake and there are several shops around here that rent them for around $30 for the weekend. I'd imagine that there are probably some shops up there that rent as well.
2005-08-17 6:27 AM
in reply to: #226985

User image

Pro
4189
20002000100252525
Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow
Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
anyone know of any sites to find water temps? I'm looking for Presque Isle State park beach.
2005-08-17 9:14 AM
in reply to: #226985

User image

Expert
1213
1000100100
Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
Water should be warm in a state park at the height of summer. You have stated elsewhere you are an accomplished swimmer. The answer then would be no. Wet suit helps weaker swimmers the most, it is a safety feature as it adds so much buoyancy and temp protection. We swim in the ocean here with 54 degree temps, some people go without wet suits, not me, no way.
2005-08-17 10:38 AM
in reply to: #226985

User image

Extreme Veteran
744
50010010025
Ontario
Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
Lake Erie should be plenty warm enough that time of year. Rent a suit if you want to boost your confidence and be a little bit faster, but you should be fine without one.

2005-08-17 10:45 AM
in reply to: #226985

User image

Pro
4481
20002000100100100100252525
Reston
Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
Tracey,  you will be fine.  I did plenty of swimming, sailing, etc, in Lake Erie growing up, and you won't have any concerns at all regarding water temperature. 
2005-08-17 11:36 AM
in reply to: #226985

User image

Pro
6581
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
For Lake Erie water temps near Erie PA, see; http://www.landbigfish.com/watertemps/erie2.cfm?ID=9

Looks like there can be upwelling of cold deep water near shore! A lot of this depends on the winds. I swam in Lake Onterio last month in 75F water in a QR QuickJohn (short legs & sleeveless). Not that I had too but just about everyone else had on full wetsuits!

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Will I be needing a wetsuit? Rss Feed